If you are an Arizona subcontractor, chances are you have already experienced the stress from change orders. Naturally, you want to please the homeowner while also remaining in the good graces of the general contractor (GC) so you can get more work in the future.
So, why are change orders a dreaded occurrence in the construction industry?
They can come from multiple sources
Change orders can come from the client, the general contractor or even another subcontractor. A production setback or a breach in the supply chain can stop a project in its tracks. These delays can have a domino effect on a building or renovation project.
If you are a subcontractor facing a change order, below is one way to minimize the effect it can have on the overall project’s timeline.
Get everything in writing
Once you are approached with proposed changes, your first instinct may be to agree and sign off on a handshake. Resist this impulse, because verbal agreements can easily be misconstrued or overridden.
Instead, insist on formalizing any changes into a new work order that all parties must sign. This reduces the likelihood of being sued for not adhering to the terms of the original contract. Consequences could include waiving your right to collect payment for the work you completed or being terminated from the project entirely if you suspend work to align with the original order.
Confused? You don’t have to go it alone in a construction dispute. Learning more about how Arizona laws treat contractual changes may help you avoid unpleasant surprises later.